MCSO: Summerfield couple commit suicide together

Published: Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 6:11 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 6:11 p.m.

Marion County sheriff's deputies say a Summerfield couple committed suicide together Monday when they shot themselves in the head.

They were found lying next to each other in bed in their home at 3781 SE 141st Lane.

When, in response to a call, Deputy Mitchell Tucker arrived at the home, the dead woman's sister told him, "They are dead, they are all dead," according to a Sheriff's Office report. The distraught woman motioned the deputy to the back door of the residence.

The deputy found Timothy K. Thomasson, 53, and his wife, Michele L. Thomasson, 50, on their bed with gunshot wounds to their heads. Each had a black semi-automatic handgun.

Investigators found a five-page suicide note addressed to family members containing apologies and instructions on care for their two Newfoundland dogs, financial matters and the division their property.

Officials said the dogs were given to a friend for safe keeping.

Sheriff's officials said they were told that Michele Thomasson had recently lost her job and that her husband, who had several back surgeries, was on disability for back problems.

The investigation into the suicides is on-going.

Daniel Kelsey, their friend for 25 years, said the Thomassons had been married for 24 and lived in Marion County for eight. He said they were "two people who loved each other, who fell on hard times and did each other in." Sheriff's officials, however, say each committed suicide.

Kelsey said the couple purchased their home from him and that he was business partners with them.

Their suicides, he said, were unexpected.

"He talked about it, but not her," Kelsey said. "It took me by surprise."

<p>Marion County sheriff's deputies say a Summerfield couple committed suicide together Monday when they shot themselves in the head.</p><p>They were found lying next to each other in bed in their home at 3781 SE 141st Lane.</p><p>When, in response to a call, Deputy Mitchell Tucker arrived at the home, the dead woman's sister told him, "They are dead, they are all dead," according to a Sheriff's Office report. The distraught woman motioned the deputy to the back door of the residence.</p><p>The deputy found Timothy K. Thomasson, 53, and his wife, Michele L. Thomasson, 50, on their bed with gunshot wounds to their heads. Each had a black semi-automatic handgun.</p><p>Investigators found a five-page suicide note addressed to family members containing apologies and instructions on care for their two Newfoundland dogs, financial matters and the division their property.</p><p>Officials said the dogs were given to a friend for safe keeping.</p><p>Sheriff's officials said they were told that Michele Thomasson had recently lost her job and that her husband, who had several back surgeries, was on disability for back problems.</p><p>The investigation into the suicides is on-going.</p><p>Daniel Kelsey, their friend for 25 years, said the Thomassons had been married for 24 and lived in Marion County for eight. He said they were "two people who loved each other, who fell on hard times and did each other in." Sheriff's officials, however, say each committed suicide.</p><p>Kelsey said the couple purchased their home from him and that he was business partners with them.</p><p>Their suicides, he said, were unexpected.</p><p>"He talked about it, but not her," Kelsey said. "It took me by surprise."</p><p><i>Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com or 867-4118.</i></p>